Warning: A massive deletion is approaching! Google has announced a measure that could impact millions of users: from December 1, all inactive Gmail accounts will be permanently deleted. If you have an old, forgotten or little-used account, it’s time to act to avoid losing your data.
Why does Google delete inactive accounts?
Two main motivations explain this decision:
- Strengthen user security: Inactive accounts are an easy target for cybercriminals. Deleting these accounts reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. According to a Verizon study, 43% of cyberattacks exploit dormant or poorly secured accounts.
- Optimize resources: Maintaining millions of accounts unused consumes server space. By removing them, Google can free up capacity to improve the performance of its services and reduce its carbon footprint, a priority for the company as it aims to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Which services are affected by this deletion?
It’s not just your Gmail inbox that will disappear if your account is deemed inactive. All services associated with your Google account will also be deleted, including:
- Google Drive : files and documents stored online.
- Google Photos : erased digital memories.
- Google Meet, Agenda et Docs : collaborative applications.
- YouTube : viewing history, subscriptions, and published content.
However, professional or educational accounts are not affected by this measure, even in the event of prolonged inactivity.
How do you know if your account is inactive?
Google considers an account inactive if no activity has been recorded for at least 2 ans. This includes:
- Do not log into Gmail or any other Google service.
- No interaction, such as sending an email, modifying a document or using the search engine.
How to avoid deletion of your account?
There are simple solutions to ensure your account survives. Before December 1st, make at least one of the following actions:
- Log in to your account: A simple connection is enough to prove your activity.
- Send an email: This action ensures the validation of your Gmail box.
- Use Google Drive: Add, edit, or delete a file.
- Watch a YouTube video: As long as you’re logged in, it counts.
- Download an app: Go to the Google Play Store to install or update an app.
What if you miss the deadline?
If your account is deleted, it will be impossible to recover it, including all associated data. You will then need to create a new account to reuse Google services. To avoid this scenario, take a few minutes to perform one of the actions listed.
An opportunity for a more secure internet
The move is part of a growing trend among tech giants to strengthen cybersecurity and streamline resource use. Although this may seem restrictive to some users, this policy helps protect personal data and improve the efficiency of online services.
Don’t let your digital memories disappear: act today to preserve your account and your data!
